On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details.

And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home.

Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot.

But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated. The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28.

 The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Bobby Ross Jr., Paul Clolery, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

A special thanks to Religion UnPlugged and The NonProfit Times for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Bethany Christian Services is suing Michigan for religious discrimination after the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families. We’ll have details.

And, as we recognize another solemn anniversary of 9/11, we look at one ministry helping military heroes win the war back at home.

Plus, a new survey shows that giving to churches and charities is down—by a lot. We’ll take a look.

Natasha:

But first, China has closed its foreign adoption program, leaving families devastated.

Warren:

The decision announced on September 5 by Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Mao Ning brings the 30-year program to an end, with exceptions for international residents adopting blood relatives or stepchildren. The program officially ended August 28.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen for families who were in the process of adopting?

Warren:

The State Department is “seeking written clarification from the [People’s Republic of China] authorities regarding the impact on intercountry adoption cases already in process and will maintain close communication with Adoption Service Providers and prospective adoptive parents.”

Lifeline Children’s Services, the largest evangelical adoption ministry in the U.S., had about 48 families who had been matched with Chinese children and were in shock and disbelief at the news.

Several of the families had met the children and spent time with them in their homes through a hosting program put on by Lifeline.

Joshua Zhong and Lily Nie, two Chinese immigrants who founded Cherish Children Adoption International (CCAI), the largest adoption agency for Chinese children said China’s program for international adoption was considered a model for the world with more transparency and less corruption than others. It had been praised by the United States government.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen to the orphans in China?

Warren:

Zhong doesn’t know whether they will receive the appropriate counseling, especially those who were expecting to be adopted.

The Chinese program is better equipped with resources than it was 30 years ago. CCAI will continue its charitable efforts, including childcare, foster care, medical services, educational funds, and disaster relief to help the thousands of abandoned children in China.

Natasha:

Next, Bethany Christian Services sues the state of Michigan.

Warren:

Bethany Christian Services has filed a federal lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and the Office of Global Michigan (OGM) for discriminating against it because of its religious hiring practices.

According to Bethany, the state denied its contracts to resettle refugee families and place unaccompanied minors in foster homes for the first time since it began contracting with the state in 1981.

In a press statement the group said, “By denying funding for Bethany’s refugee-resettlement services, Michigan officials are blocking critical social services to vulnerable children and families, and jeopardizing jobs at Bethany.

Natasha:

In 2023, Bethany reported helping over 600 refugees and immigrants and placed around 300 unaccompanied minor refugees in foster families in the state.

Warren:

But this year, the State of Michigan began denying contracts to Bethany. According to Bethany’s General Counsel Nhung Hurst, the state implemented a new requirement requiring organizations to hire people from all religions.

Hurst said contracts with Michigan dating back decades have never included this requirement and that no other organizations were affected by the new provision.

Natasha:

Why is Bethany affected?

Warren:

Bethany requires its employees to agree to its statement of faith, which is a restatement of the Apostles’ Creed, a summary of beliefs used by Christians around the world.

Hurst said, “Federal law is clear, and the courts have repeatedly affirmed that faith-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, like ours, can hire staff and select leaders who share the organization’s faith mission. Federal law affirms that Muslim nonprofits can hire Muslims; Jewish nonprofits can hire people of Jewish faith; and Christian nonprofits can hire Christians,”

Natasha:

And Bethany tried to find a resolution before filing this lawsuit.

Warren:

Bethany said it made 19 attempts to discuss the situation with the OGM and also prayed for a resolution. After they were unsuccessful, Bethany asked the federal court to intervene and enjoin the OGM from ending the existing contracts until a final resolution of its religious discrimination claims can be reached.

Natasha:

Speaking of lawsuits, our next story involves one filed by an 18-year-old.

Warren:

Another lawsuit against the leaders of Circle of Hope Girls Ranch and Boarding School alleging multiple instances of abuse was filed this week in federal court in Missouri, this time by the youngest person yet to take action.

The lawsuit is brought under the pseudonym Jane Doe DA, who is currently 18, against Stephanie and Boyd Householder and Circle of Hope. It also names Jeff Ables, the pastor at Berean Baptist Church in Springfield as a defendant.

Natasha:

Can you remind us what’s happened so far with Circle of Hope?

Warren:

The boarding school for troubled girls closed in September 2020 after former students and even the daughter of the school’s founders reported an atmosphere of abuse. Stephanie Householder’s felony trial for child abuse and neglect is currently scheduled for October 28. Boyd Householder died in June from cardiac arrest.

Natasha:

This new lawsuit contains some strong allegations.

Warren:

Jane Doe DA claims in the lawsuit that she was subjected to physical, mental, and sexual abuse in 2019 and 2020, starting when she was only 13 years old. She is seeking $75 million in damages.

The lawsuit contains allegations of sex trafficking, involuntarily servitude, and fraud. It claims Circle of Hope established a hierarchical system that allowed students to punish one another.

the court documents state that “She lived in fear for the entire time she was at Circle of Hope and suffers anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other psychological issues to this day.”

Natasha:

Ables, a former board director for Circle of Hope, is named in the lawsuit for failing to report the abuse even after the Householder’s daughter, Amanda, directly reported it to him in 2008.

Warren:

Instead of reporting the alleged abuse to authorities, Ables is accused of telling the Householders about Amanda’s allegations for which she was punished.

Amanda Householder sued her parents in 2022, alleging they made her perform forced labor, beat her for their own sexual gratification, force-fed her until she vomited, and made her impose punishments on other students at the boarding school.

According to the lawsuit, Ables allegedly “hid children” at the church to prevent the Department of Family Services and Children’s Division from investigating complaints against Circle of Hope.

Ables has been the pastor at Berean Baptist Church since October 2000.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a ministry helping military heroes with PTSD who are still fighting a war at home.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break, every day an estimated 22 U-S veterans die by suicide—SOF Missions is working to change that.

Warren:

Wednesday marked the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks that propelled the United States into two decades of war.

A 20-year military veteran — first with the Marine Corps and later with the Air Force — Damon Friedman knows firsthand about the war’s long-lasting effects.

As he tells it, “The cost of the war on terror was paid by my wife and kids.”

After contemplating suicide, Friedman finally got the help he needed — body, mind and soul.

While still in the Air Force, he — along with his wife Dayna — started a faith-based nonprofit called SOF Missions. The SOF stands for “Shield of Faith.”

Natasha:

What does SOF Missions do?

Warren:

For a few years,...

(RNS) — A group of evangelical broadcasters is suing the Internal Revenue Service over the Johnson Amendment, a tax law that bars nonprofits from supporting political candidates.

National Religious Broadcasters convention attendees await Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (RNS photo/Bob Smietana)

Lawyers for the National Religious Broadcasters, along with two Baptist churches and a conservative group called Intercessors for America, argue in their suit that the ban on engaging in politics restricts their freedom of speech and freedom of religion. They further argue that the IRS ignores the politicking of some charities, while threatening to punish others.

In particular, lawyers for the groups claim that newspapers and other news outlets that have become nonprofits in recent years, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, endorse candidates. Why can’t churches or other Christian groups, they want to know, do the same?

“Plaintiffs believe that nonprofit newspapers have a clear constitutional right to make such endorsements or statements,” read the complaint filed Wednesday (Aug. 28) in the United States District Court of the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division. “Plaintiffs simply contend that they should also have the same freedom of speech.”

The lawsuit is the latest challenge to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that has long been the bane of conservative groups and, in particular, preachers seeking to become more involved in politics. The ban on taking sides in campaigns — including endorsements or campaign contributions — applies to nonprofits that fall under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code.

For years Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal group, organized “pulpit freedom” Sundays designed to have preachers violate IRS rules by endorsing candidates from the pulpit. As president, Donald Trump signed an executive order designed to give more leeway under IRS rules.

The current lawsuit pitches its argument toward similar religious freedom principles. “For too long, churches have been instructed to remain silent on pressing matters of conscience and conviction during election season or risk their 501(c)(3) status,” said NRB President Troy A. Miller in a statement announcing the lawsuit.

But the growing number of nonprofit newsrooms has added a new twist to the arguments over the Johnson Amendment that has to do with fairness. Those newsrooms, the complaint argues, should be required to abide by the same rules as other charities.

Access to MinistryWatch content is free.  However, we hope you will support our work with your prayers and financial gifts.  To make a donation, click here.

“Hundreds of newspapers are organized under § 501(c)(3), and yet many openly endorse political candidates,” lawyers for NRB and its co-plaintiff argued in their complaint. “Others make statements about political candidates that constitute forbidden statements under the IRS’ interpretation of the statutory prohibition against supporting or opposing candidates.”

The Institute for Nonprofit News, with about 450 member organizations, including RNS, does not accept members that endorse candidates.

“Nonprofit news organizations do not endorse candidates and, under IRS guidelines, should not favor any candidate for public office in coverage or other action,” the INN’s guidelines for members state.

Karen Rundlet, the CEO and executive director of the INN, told RNS in an email that grants made to nonprofits often bar those funds from being used for political activity.

The complaint points specifically to the Inquirer’s candidate endorsements, as well as articles critical of candidates in other nonprofit publications from 2012 to the present, claiming all violated IRS rules with impunity.

While nonprofit newspapers such as the Salt Lake Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times no longer make political endorsements, the Inquirer does, in part because it has a different ownership structure.

“The Philadelphia Inquirer is owned by the nonprofit Lenfest Institute for Journalism, but the newspaper remains a for-profit public-benefit corporation,” Jim Friedlich, CEO of the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, told RNS in an email. “As a for-profit entity, The Philadelphia Inquirer is permitted to publish political endorsements, as it has for decades. It does so following thoughtful research on candidate policy positions, qualifications, integrity, and track record.”

In their complaint, lawyers for the NRB and its fellow plaintiffs said that, despite the Inquirer’s structure, dollars from a nonprofit are funding political endorsements.

A spokesman for the IRS declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The NRB did not respond to a series of questions from RNS about the lawsuit.

Darryll K. Jones, a professor of law at Florida A&M University who blogs about nonprofit law, agrees that the IRS is allowing the Lenfest Institute to “have its cake and eat it too,” he said by email.

“Other exempt charities can farm out their political speech to subsidiary organizations without diminishing their tax-exempt efforts,” he said. “Churches cannot do so because farming out political activity necessarily diminishes or even precludes the accomplishment of the church’s tax-exempt and (oh, by the way) constitutionally protected effort.”

If the IRS refused to bite on ADF’s pulpit actions, said Jones, it is because the IRS likely knows the Johnson Amendment would not hold up on constitutional grounds. On their part, many nonprofits appreciate the rule, Jones said, because the restriction keeps them out of politics.

“They can say, look, we’re not going to be involved in that. We’re not going to be involved in politics. We are out here to do our charitable deeds, and we don’t want to be on one side or the other,” Jones said.

Jones believes courts are likely to dismiss most of the NRB’s claims, especially its due process and equal protection assertions, which he said obscure the main point of their lawsuit.

But, he said, “Once you get through all the unnecessary weeds, the complaint makes a legally irresistible argument, the logic of which can’t possibly be avoided.”

He added that politicking by nonprofits would likely have negative outcomes. “Everybody’s going to do it, and then there’ll be sort of a race to the bottom,” he said.

A 2019 survey from Pew Research found that Americans would prefer to keep religion and politics separate. Nearly two-thirds (63%) want houses of worship to stay out of politics, while three-quarters (76%) say churches and other congregations should not endorse candidates.

The NRB hosted Donald Trump at its annual convention in Nashville this past February, where the former president promised to return Christians to power if elected for a second term. Before Trump spoke, Miller told those in the audience that the group was hosting a presidential forum and that the speakers did not represent the official views of the NRB.

The former president appealed to religious broadcasters to join his side.

“If I get in, you’re going to be using that power at a level that you’ve never used before,” Trump told a gathering of National Religious Broadcasters at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center.

Here are some resources mentioned in this podcast episode:

For a written version of this commentary, click here.

Click here for my reporting on the Lakeland Outpouring for WORLD.

I investigated more than a dozen so-called “miracles” here.

Click here to read more about spiritual abuse.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.

Until next time, may God bless you.

On today’s program, Morningstar Ministries is undergoing a leadership shakeup…after its CEO resigned, allegations of sexual misconduct began to arise. We’ll have details.

And, many Christian colleges have fallen on hard times. But a Christian university in Georgia has been trying out new ways to grow enrollment…and it appears to be working. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Trinity International University is on the look out for a new president….just six months after its current president took the reins.

But first, the National Religious Broadcasters is suing the IRS over the Johnson Amendment.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Bob Smietana, Kim Roberts, Chris Moon, Tony Mator, and Brittany Smith.

A special thanks to the Christian Standard for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

 

MANUSCRIPT

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Morningstar Ministries is undergoing a leadership shakeup…after its CEO resigned, allegations of sexual misconduct began to arise. We’ll have details.

And, many Christian colleges have fallen on hard times. But a Christian university in Georgia has been trying out new ways to grow enrollment…and it appears to be working. We’ll take a look.

Plus, Trinity International University is on the look out for a new president….just six months after its current president took the reins.

Natasha:

But first, the National Religious Broadcasters is suing the I-R-S over the Johnson Amendment..

Warren:

A group of evangelical broadcasters is suing the Internal Revenue Service over the Johnson Amendment, a tax law that bars nonprofits from supporting political candidates.

Lawyers for the National Religious Broadcasters, along with two Baptist churches and a conservative group called Intercessors for America, argue in their suit that the ban on engaging in politics restricts their freedom of speech and freedom of religion. They further argue that the IRS ignores the politicking of some charities, while threatening to punish others.

Natasha:

Do they have examples to support their claim?

Warren:

Lawyers for the groups claim that newspapers and other news outlets that have become nonprofits in recent years, such as the Philadelphia Inquirer, endorse candidates. Why can’t churches or other Christian groups, they want to know, do the same?

Natasha:

The lawsuit is the latest challenge to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that has long been the bane of conservative groups and, in particular, preachers seeking to become more involved in politics. The ban on taking sides in campaigns — including endorsements or campaign contributions — applies to nonprofits that fall under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. 

Warren:

The current lawsuit pitches its argument toward religious freedom principles.

But the growing number of nonprofit newsrooms has added a new twist to the arguments over the Johnson Amendment that has to do with fairness. Those newsrooms, the complaint argues, should be required to abide by the same rules as other charities.

The complaint points specifically to the Inquirer’s candidate endorsements, as well as articles critical of candidates in other nonprofit publications from 2012 to the present, claiming all violated IRS rules with impunity.

A spokesman for the IRS declined to comment, citing the pending litigation. The NRB did not respond to a series of questions from RNS about the lawsuit.

Natasha:

Next, the president of MorningStar Ministries, a prominent charismatic ministry just outside of Charlotte, has resigned.

Warren:

Chris Reed, president and CEO of MorningStar Ministries in Fort Mill, S.C., tendered his resignation last week because he “didn’t want to be leading the ministry in a case against four victims who were abused as children by a volunteer.”

A lawsuit filed in South Carolina state court on August 7 alleges that Morningstar Fellowship Church created a youth program involving overnight events and campouts and allowed Erickson Lee, a relative of one of the church youth program leaders, access to minor males who he allegedly sexually exploited and abused.

Natasha:

Reed said that resigning was a tough and painful choice, but that it was “not a fight [he] wanted to fight.”

Warren:

But after his resignation came reports of alleged sexual misconduct by Reed in 2021 when he was preparing to become leader of MorningStar Ministries.

Reed, who is married and has six children, admitted to sending “terrible texts” and kissing another woman, but that “there was no sexual encounter.”

According to the woman, Reed initiated contact with her in November 2021 through private Facebook messages. He gave her his personal cell number, which led to texting and meetups in Reed’s van.

Natasha:

What’s going to happen with MorningStar now?

Warren:

In the wake of Reed’s resignation, Rick Joyner, who founded MorningStar Ministries, is taking over as CEO and president. He said in a statement to the congregation on September 1 that Reed’s resignation came as a shock.

Joyner also confirmed that he and the board of MorningStar were told about Reed’s “transgression” at the time of his elevation to leadership.

He said both the woman and Reed admitted to wrongdoing, but both said there was no physical contact.

The board believed Reed and “put [him] in a restoration process” for about 18 months before he took the leadership role permanently.

Natasha:

This is not the first time that Morningstar Ministries has been embroiled in controversy.

Warren:

Ad lib.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Point University continues to see growing enrollment as other Christian colleges and universities struggle to stay afloat. What is their strategy and how is it working?

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break, Point University is growing its enrollment through employer ‘subscription’ program.

Warren:

The college in West Point, Ga., has seen its total enrollment grow to roughly 2,400 students. Half of those students are part of Point’s “Elevate” program, which enables employers to pay a flat, monthly subscription fee to enable their workers to take online classes at Point for free.

Point’s total enrollment two years ago stood at about 1,500. Today, the Elevate program is the largest student program at Point University — followed by its dual-credit and traditional, on-campus programs.

Natasha:

How did they develop this program?

Warren:

Point University started its subscription program in the fall of 2022 with deals in place for 262 Chick-fil-A franchise owners in 38 states.

The plan enticed more than 700 Chick-fil-A employees to enroll during the first six months of the program. Students only had to pay for books and seek any federal grants for which they might qualify.

Point now has subscription agreements in place with multiple construction companies, including one with more than 500 employees. The program also is serving smaller telecom and broadband companies, as well as other employers.

Right now, Point has about 340 business contracts in place. Students have come to Point from 40 states through the program.

Natasha:

Other than chick-fil-a what kind of companies enroll?

Warren:

Participating companies mostly are in blue-collar industries and are privately-owned firms with 25 to 400 employees. Subscription rates can range from $6,000 to $80,000 per year, depending on the size of the company and the demographics of its workforce.

Among other things, Point considers the percentage of a company’s workers who don’t have college degrees.

Natasha:

Next, a Pastor has been Sentenced for paycheck protection program Loan Fraud and Money Laundering

Warren:

The pastor of Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries in Washington, D.C., will serve 18 months in prison and two years of supervised release after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.

Rudolph Brooks Jr. fraudulently obtained $3.5 million in Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loans and then used the funds on personal expenses, including a 2018 Tesla Model 3 and property in Maryland.

Natasha:

How was he discovered?

Warren:

Brooks was arrested in April 2021 after law enforcement determined he diverted a $1.5-million PPP loan he had obtained for a business named Cars Direct for his personal expenses.

He also obtained other loans, including $1.8 million for Kingdom Tabernacle of Restoration Ministries and $200,000 for Madaro, LLC.

To obtain the loans, Brooks inflated employee numbers and average monthly payroll expenses on the loan applications.

Brooks was the sole signatory on each of the accounts where the loan money was deposited.

Natasha:

Our next story also covers fraud.

Warren:

The treasurer of a church’s charitable foundation pleaded guilty to two counts of wire fraud. He was sentenced to more than seven years in prison last week, and ordered to pay restitution of over $1.7 million to various victims.

Thomas Calhoun Bain, a self-described stock trader, admitted that over the course of about six years when he had access to and authority over the charitable founda

For 2000 years Christians have heeded the call of The Great Commission to “go into all the world.” Christian missionaries have become some of the heroes of the faith, the subject of books, songs, and movies.

But we rarely hear about the children of these missionaries. In the past few years, stories of spiritual and sexual abuse of missionary kids have started making news. Sometimes, even when there is no abuse, there is neglect and isolation, as many missionary kids, or MKs, are shuttled off to boarding schools, or follow their parents from one missionary assignment to another, often having to leave friends and support structures behind. Recent research suggests that there are more than 425,000 Christian missionaries in the world today, and many hundreds of thousands of current and former missionary kids. Recent research suggests that MKs experience childhood trauma at a rate nearly twice that of kids raised in the United States. The result is that MKs are often left with questions about God and their own faith if their own commitment doesn’t match their missionary parents.

Joy Smalley was one of those missionary kids. Her parents were missionaries to Mongolia, and she was raised in conditions that at times compromised her safety and caused her to question her own faith. Ultimately, she did not reject her faith, and her story is one that evangelicals need to hear if we hope not only to be obedient to the Great Commission, but also to be obedient to Scripture’s commands to “suffer the children” in our midst, to protect them and raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Her book is Abraham’s Daughter: Healing Trauma from a Childhood in Missions. She spoke to me from her home in Tustin, California.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. I’m your host Warren Smith. Please join me on Friday when Natasha Cowden and I recap the week’s news. Until then, may God bless you.

On today’s program, three years after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the late apologist Ravi Zacharias, imploding his organization and his legacy, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries appears to remain in operation…with little to no transparency. We dug around for some answers.

Plus, a Knoxville-area ministry is restoring dignity and hope to its homeless population. We’ll take a look.

And, the latest from a recent survey on the state of church compensation. We’ll have details.

But first, the founder of Barnabas Aid has been forced to resign over allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic work culture.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Kim Roberts, Tony Mator, Marci Seither, Adelle Banks, Catherine Pepinster, and Christina Darnell.

Until next time, may God bless you.

MANUSCRIPT

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha:

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, three years after sexual abuse allegations surfaced against the late apologist Ravi Zacharias, imploding his organization and his legacy, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries appears to remain in operation…with little to no transparency. We dug around for some answers.

Plus, a Knoxville-area ministry is restoring dignity and hope to its homeless population. We’ll take a look.

And, the latest from a recent survey on the state of church compensation. We’ll have details.

Natasha:

But first, the founder of Barnabas Aid has been forced to resign over allegations of financial mismanagement and a toxic work culture.

Warren:

Patrick Sookhdeo, his wife Rosemarie, and two members of the United Kingdom board of trustees—Caroline Kerslake and Prasad Phillips—were suspended from leadership until an independent investigation can be completed.

While the U.S. affiliate and fundraising arm of Barnabas Aid, also known as Barnabas Fund, has a different CEO than the U.K. affiliate, the Sookhdeos, Kerslake, and Phillips are all listed as board members of Barnabas Aid in the U.S.A.

Natasha:

What happened??

Warren:

Following whistleblower complaints earlier this year, some members of the board began raising questions about the management of the charity and charity funds.

The statement Barnabas Aid said it appears the Sookhdeos were among those who failed to comply with the internal policies and created a “toxic work environment” that undermined the staff’s feeling that they could voice their concerns.

“In addition, we have also identified significant payments made to the founders (and to others close to them—including some Board Members/Trustees) which cannot be readily explained.

Ample opportunity has been provided to the founders to explain those transactions but sadly they have refused to cooperate,” the Barnabas Aid statement added.

Natasha:

This wasn’t the first time that the founders have been in the news

Warren:

Barnabas Founder Patrick Sookhdeo was found guilty in 2015 for one count of sexual assault and two counts of witness intimidation, charges Sookhdeo vehemently denies.

A few years later, in 2020, a UK employment tribunal found Sookhdeo guilty of condemning and shunning the ministry’s head of research, Dr. Martin Parsons. Barnabas said in a statement that at the time of the allegations, Sookhdeo was not working for Barnabas, but was working in its offices while carrying out his role for the Oxford Centre for Religion and Public Life.

In the MinistryWatch database, Barnabas Aid (USA) receives a four-star financial efficiency rating, an A transparency grade, and the highest donor confidence score of 100.

Natasha:

Next, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries still exists three years after allegations rocked its operations but it still lacks transparency

Warren:

After Ravi Zacharias’ death in 2020 and the subsequent investigation into sexual abuse allegations against him, Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) suspended fundraising and lost many of its speakers and leaders.

Zacharias’ daughter Sarah (Davis) Phillips wrote in an email shared with MinistryWatch that RZIM planned to “transition to a grantmaking entity, much like a charitable foundation, which will support a variety of ministries, causes, and kingdom-building efforts. Specifically, we expect this new entity will make grants in two areas: furthering our original mission to preach the gospel through the questions of culture, and the prevention of and caring for victims of sexual abuse.”

Phillips resigned from her role as CEO of RZIM in October 2021 with plans to start a new organization. Eventually named Lighten Group, the ministry lasted less than a year before it announced its closure.

Natasha:

So is RZIM now a grantmaking ministry? What has happened to the assets entrusted to RZIM?

Warren:

MinistryWatch has looked into the continuing operations of RZIM and discovered it continues to exist, but with little transparency or accountability. RZIM still has a website, but no financial information or grant applications are posted there. It also has an operational phone system with a staff directory.

According to the Georgia Secretary of State’s website, RZIM filed its annual registration with the corporations division in 2023 for 2023 and 2024.

A MinistryWatch search did not turn up any certificate or articles of dissolution of RZIM in Georgia.

A building owned since 2016 by RZIM was sold earlier this year to Free Chapel for $14.5 million.

According to a blog post by son Nathan Zacharias, a $45-million life insurance policy existed on Ravi Zacharias’ life and was payable to RZIM.

Natasha:

Do we know what they’ve done with the money?

Warren:

MinistryWatch reached out to some former speakers and employees of RZIM to ask if they knew anything about grants given by the ministry. But none of them had any information to share

Abdu Murray, a former senior leader at RZIM, told MinistryWatch he has had no contact with the group since leaving in 2021. He did not respond to a specific question about whether he received any funding from RZIM for his new group, Embrace the Truth.

Natasha:

Next, a parsonage is for sale in Texas.

Warren:

A luxury 24-acre estate with six houses and 22 garage parking spaces may not meet most people’s definition of a parsonage.

But the tax code says otherwise—this one Texas home is turning heads after being listed on realtor.com for $15 million.

Located in a Houston suburb, the property is the home of Bishop I.V. Hilliard and his wife, Pastor Bridget Hilliard. It belongs to New Light Church (also known as New Light Christian Center Church), a multi-site, Word of Faith megachurch that the Hilliards founded in 1984f.

Natasha:

However, this is not the first time the Hilliards, who teach a form of the so-called Prosperity Gospel, have made headlines for their lavish lifestyle and use of church donations.

Warren:

In 2013, Bishop Hilliard, who has an estimated net worth of $22 million, sparked criticism with a fundraiser mailing that asked supporters to donate $52 each to replace the blades of his helicopter.

Natasha:

Did he stand by his words?

Warren:

Hilliard defended the letter, stressing the importance of the helicopter for serving the church’s six campuses and denying he had made any “bogus claims, prophecies or guarantees promising the donor will receive their dream mode of transportation in 52 days or 52 weeks.”

As to why the parsonage has been put on the market, no statement has been released.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, a Knoxville-area rescue ministry pray that homeless people who walk through their doors will find not only a safe place to sleep at night, but peace in the gospel message.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break, a ministry focused on restoring lives in Jesus’ name.

Warren:

In the 1960s, five pastors saw the need to create a place for Knoxville's homeless population. What started as a place for men is now a refuge for men, women, and mothers with children. Over 1,000 meals are served daily; most nights, the dorm-style rooms with over 300 beds are full. Each bed is prayed over by volunteers from across Knoxville in the hope that those who sleep there will not only find rest for the night, but peace in the gospel message.

Natasha:

And they run the 89,000-square-foot center, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Warren:

And there’s a lot of work to be done - They do roughly 300 loads of laundry every day by 2:00. Then they do it all over again.

Thankfully, they don’t have to do the work alone. Volunteers continue to support the KARM center. In 2024, over 1,700 volunteers have contributed more than 10,000 hours.

KARM's president and CEO, Danita McCartney, knows that despite KARM’s growth, its mission remains the same: to restore the lives of our homeless neighbors through Christ-centered support.

Natasha:

Next, a retirement settlement agreement in the AME

Warren:

The African Methodist Episcopal Church announced a settlement agreement with a number of its clergy who had sued the denomination, accusing it of mishandling their retirement funds.

The settlement, which must still be approved by a judge, came Monday (Aug....

A luxury 24-acre estate with six houses and 22 garage parking spaces may not meet most people’s definition of a parsonage.

But the tax code says otherwise—this one Texas home is turning heads after being listed on realtor.com for $15 million.

Located in a Houston suburb, the property is the home of Bishop I.V. Hilliard and his wife, Pastor Bridget Hilliard. It belongs to New Light Church (also known as New Light Christian Center Church), a multi-site, Word of Faith megachurch that the Hilliards founded in 1984.   

The listing says the compound “boasts a lake stocked with trophy bass, a magazine worthy primary estate, five junior estates, a resort style pool with cabanas,” an office complex with a fitness center, and an owners’ suite with a 25-foot high ceiling, and its own private exercise room and jacuzzi tub. Other features include two wet bars, a banquet hall, a home theater, a hair salon, and a commercial-grade kitchen.

Appraised in 2023 at $7,966,887, the property would have incurred an estimated $152,168 in annual property taxes. But thanks to the parsonage tax exemption, the Hilliards and their church enjoy a tax liability most homeowners in their 28,000-member congregation can only dream of: zero.

According to The Christian Post, in 2021 an attorney representing New Light Church told the Houston Chronicle the tax exemption was justified because the estate is used as a minister’s retreat and conference center. 

However, this is not the first time the Hilliards, who teach a form of the so-called Prosperity Gospel, have made headlines for their lavish lifestyle and use of church donations. 

In 2013, Bishop Hilliard, who has an estimated net worth of $22 million, sparked criticism with a fundraiser mailing that asked supporters to donate $52 each to replace the blades of his helicopter.

"I heard that still small voice of the Holy Spirit say 'tell your special partners who have special transportation needs' and their obedience will release favor for their needs and desires,” the letter read. "I believe with all my heart this message is for you and your doing something today is the key to releasing this favor on your transportation situation! Send me the transportation need or dream you have by completing the online petition when you sow a $52.00 transportation favor seed believing in 52 days or 52 weeks you will experience breakthrough favor!" 

Hilliard defended the letter, stressing the importance of the helicopter for serving the church’s six campuses and denying he had made any “bogus claims, prophecies or guarantees promising the donor will receive their dream mode of transportation in 52 days or 52 weeks.”

But one vocal critic, Pastor Saiko Woods of the now defunct His Word, His Way Fellowship Church in Sugar Land, Texas, argued, “I’ve seen this man’s home. I’ve seen where he lives. You can’t tell me you don’t have $50,000 you can pay out of your own pocket.”

As to why the parsonage has been put on the market, no statement has been released.

New Light Church Parsonage / Realtor.com

In 2018, Bishop Hilliard passed the mantle of senior pastor to his daughter Irishea Hilliard, who lives across the street from him in a home valued at $4.7 million. Another daughter, Tiny Hilliard Egan, lives across the street in a house valued at about $4.15 million.

A third daughter, Kermeshea Hilliard Evans, is estranged from the family and wrote a memoir, Going to Church to Catch Hell, about growing up in the ministry.

According to New Light’s website, Bishop Hilliard and his wife continue to be active in the church, pursuing “passion projects” including Hilliard Faith University, Love City and B’s Girls. The bishop’s Facebook page indicates that he continues to do frequent speaking engagements, such as the recent Adventurous Faith seminar.

New Light Church was once named by Church Report magazine as one of America’s 50 most influential churches.

TO OUR READERS: Do you have a story idea, or do you want to give us feedback about this or any other story? Please email us: [email protected]

Many of our neighbors have succumbed to what the French philosopher Jacques Ellul called “the political illusion.” What is it, and what can we do to resist it?

Here are a couple of resources mentioned on today’s episode:

Ellul explained the “political illusion” in his 1965 book L’illusion politique. It was published in English in 1967.

To read my interview with Christopher Watkin, click here.)

According to a recent Gallup survey, a majority of Americans now believe abortion should be legal in all or most circumstances. That finding represents a significant shift in attitude in just the past few years.

To read about the pastor’s conference hosted by Turning Point USA, click on our report here.

To read a written version of this commentary, click here.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh. Until next time, may God bless you!

On today’s program, Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, continues to struggle in the aftermath of sexual abuse allegations against its founder Robert Morris—including NEW sexual abuse allegations, the cancellation of its annual Gateway conference, and more. We’ll look at the latest.

And, Megan Basham is under fire from fellow journalists for naming an alleged sexual assault victim in her new book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ We’ll have details.

Plus, the largest seminaries in the U.S.

But first, election season is in full swing, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is urging pastors to mobilize their churches for Trump.

The producer for today’s program is Jeff McIntosh.  We get database and other technical support from Stephen DuBarry, Rod Pitzer, and Casey Sudduth. Writers who contributed to today’s program include Tony Mator, Kim Roberts, Zach Rivas, Mallory Challis, Scott Barkley,  Chloë-Arizona Fodor, Jeffrey Walton, Brittany Smith, and Christina Darnell.

Special thanks to Baptist Press, Baptist News Global, and the Institute on Religion & Democracy for contributing material for this week’s podcast.

Until next time, may God bless you.

 

MANUSCRIPT

 

FIRST SEGMENT

Warren:

Hello everybody. I’m Warren Smith, coming to you from Charlotte, North Carolina.

Natasha: 

And I’m Natasha Cowden, coming to you from Denver, Colorado. And we’d like to welcome you to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Warren:

On today’s program, Gateway Church in Dallas, Texas, continues to struggle in the aftermath of sexual abuse allegations against its founder Robert Morris—including NEW sexual abuse allegations, the cancellation of its annual Gateway conference, and more. We’ll look at the latest.

And, Megan Basham is under fire from fellow journalists for naming an alleged sexual assault victim in her new book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ We’ll have details.

Plus, the largest seminaries in the U-S.

Natasha:

But first, election season is in full swing, and Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is urging pastors to mobilize their churches for Trump.

Warren:

Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk pulled no punches in his keynote address to pastors gathered for a July 31-Aug. 2 political training conference in a Dallas, Texas, suburb.

His message: Pastors need to vote for Donald Trump, they need to become activists, and they need to mobilize their congregations to do likewise.

“There is only one way to save this country,” Kirk said. “Awake the beast that is the American church.”

A lot of online commentators said that Kirk had a lot of fun with the unintended irony of Kirk’s statement. They noted that in Scripture, the word “beast” is often used to describe Satan, while the preferred metaphors for describing the church in Scripture is not beast, but Bride of Christ or Body of Christ.

Natasha:

That wasn’t the only irony of this event.

Warren:

While the “Igniting the Remnant Pastors” conference was ostensibly nonpartisan the event provided a receptive audience for Kirk’s overt endorsement of Trump.

Natasha:

Tell us more about Kirk’s talk, I heard he talked tough and hurled some insults.

Warren:

He said, “The American church is a joke in this country,” he said. “It is a church filled with cowards and people that call themselves pastors but are really motivational speakers.

Natasha:

Next, the latest in the ongoing saga of Gateway Church

Warren:

Gateway Church, the Dallas-area megachurch started by Robert Morris, is facing additional sexual abuse allegations in addition to those revealed against Morris earlier this summer that led to his resignation.

Last week, a lawsuit was filed in Tarrant County, Texas, alleging a 17-year-old member of the Gateway Church youth group sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl also attending the church youth group.

The alleged assault took place in 2017.

Natasha:

The lawsuit names Gabriel Reece Snyder, now 25, and Gateway Church as defendants. It asserts that Gateway was negligent in failing to prevent the alleged assaults and is seeking over $1 million in damages.

Warren:

The alleged victim’s parents accuse Gateway of providing “little or no supervision” by the church’s “youth counselors, pastors, leaders, chaperones, or volunteers.”

According to the lawsuit, Snyder used “biblical beliefs and teachings of...Gateway's pastor and ministers" to convince his alleged victim it was God's will that she submit to him.

Natasha:

This isn’t the first time Snyder has been accused

Warren:

No, Snyder was convicted on a different offense of sexual assault of a child, and is currently serving prison time at the Hightower Unit in Dayton, Texas, with an anticipated release in October 2024, CBS News Texas reported.

The alleged victim, Julia Long, chose to reveal her identity and make her story public as part of her healing.

Natasha:

Gateway recently settled another, similar lawsuit.

Warren:

That lawsuit accused church leadership of covering up the alleged sexual abuse of a child by a member of the congregation in March 2018. The lawsuit, filed in 2020, also claimed that Gateway pastors encouraged members of the congregation to ostracize her and failed to inform law enforcement about the abuse.

Gateway said the events in the 2020 lawsuit did not occur on any Gateway campus nor at a Gateway event.

Natasha:

In light of the ongoing controversy regarding allegations against Morris, Gateway Church decided to cancel its annual conference.

Warren:

A statement on the confrence’s website reads: “We want to let you know that after much prayer and consideration, we have decided not to hold Gateway Conference in 2024. Our congregation and staff are in the midst of navigating Robert Morris’ resignation and the emotions surrounding it.”

The church apologized for the inconvenience and promised refunds to those already registered.

Natasha:

Warren, what’s our next story?

Warren:

A South Carolina woman faces charges after local police said she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a church in Greenwood County, just south of Greenville.

Shelley Strickland, 54, was arrested Aug. 9 after confessing to stealing $404,414 from First Baptist Church of Ware Shoals, SC. She may face additional charges for theft at other nearby churches.

Natasha:

How’d she get access to the funds?

Warren:

The Ware Shoals Police Department said Strickland worked as the church’s financial secretary since 2017 and began her theft scheme in 2019 to pay for credit cards and personal expenses. Strickland took from many accounts, including the church’s emergency fund.

A pastor became aware of the issue when a new financial secretary reported discrepancies in the church’s finances. The scheme reportedly continued until February 2024.

Strickland’s husband, Mark Strickland, is pastor of First Damascus Baptist church in nearby Bradley, SC. The couple lives in a parsonage owned by the church.

If convicted, Shelley Strickland faces up to 10 years in prison.

Natasha:

Our next story has a similar theme.

Warren:

A former United Methodist pastor in Nebraska was sentenced for embezzling money from the church he pastored.

Joseph Schumacher, 43, was arrested in November for unauthorized use of a financial transaction device and theft by deception, according to KSID-FM.

In June, he pleaded guilty to two reduced charges of attempted theft and was sentenced last week to consecutive 90-day sentences and 12 months of probation. He was also ordered to pay $6,740 in restitution, KHYY reported.

Natasha:

Warren, let’s take a quick break. When we return, Megan Basham named an alleged sexual assault victim in her New York Times bestselling book ‘Shepherds for Sale.’ Fellow journalists are pushing back, calling the move unethical.

I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and we’ll have that story and much more, after this short break.

 

BREAK

 

SECOND SEGMENT

Natasha:

Welcome back.  I’m Natasha Cowden, along with my co-host Warren Smith, and you’re listening to the MinistryWatch podcast.

Next, the story we promised before the break. Megan Basham is being criticized for naming Johnny Hunt’s sexual abuse accuser in her new book.

Warren:

Robert Downen, who was a key reporter about the SBC sex abuse scandal when he worked for the Houston Chronicle, criticized Basham for revealing the accuser’s name in her book, Shepherds for Sale”

Downen said that Apparently, Basham found the name in a court document where it was not redacted and chose to publish it.

Natasha:

Are their rules about sharing identity if it’s in a public document?

Warren:

According to the Society of Professional Journalist’s code of ethics, victims of sexual crimes should be “shown compassion” and treated with “heightened sensitivity.” It also calls on journalists to “recognize that legal access to information differs from an ethical justification to publish or broadcast.”

Downen argues that While Basham may have legally found the name of Hunt’s accuser, that doesn’t give her “a greenlight to abandon basic ethics. Nor do you get to abandon basic ethics because you find the allegations questionable, or you’ve decided that a victim is less of a victim than they say.”

Natasha:

How has Basham responded?

Warren:

Basham wrote on X that she had reasons for naming Hunt’s accusers.

She wrote: “I do think when you make public accusations (especially when you aren’t willing to take them to actual authorities like the police or a court) you should be obligated to stand behind them. Then your character and credibility can be evaluated as well. Anything else allows for a system of secret accusers who can enact character assassination while facing no scrutiny themselves.”

Basham did not respond to MinistryWatch’s question about whether she reached out to the

COLUMBUS, Ohio (BP) – It happens with a couch or mattress. It happens with two chairs facing each other across a table.

While refugees’ initial days and months in America can be complex and filled with paperwork and immigration meetings, churches have learned there are direct, simple ways to meet needs.

Not long after it began six years ago, Living Hope Church in Columbus was helping deliver donated furniture on behalf of a group of non-profit organizations. It became apparent that the items were going toward a growing migrant population consisting of those from the Middle East and Central America.

The white, middle-class community that Aaron Taylor, Living Hope’s pastor, had grown up in was rapidly changing.

Members of Living Hope Church in Columbus, Ohio, load items for its ministry center / Photo by Aaron Taylor

“There are pockets of these communities around with people moving in from all over the world, and it opened our eyes,” he said.

The need grew, and soon the church took it on as its own. It began with a question to their non-profit partners: What would they like to see available to the refugee population?

The answer was a furniture store.

“About five months after that, we opened a ministry center next to our church that now serves 12-20 families a month on average,” Taylor said. “It stays stocked through approximately 12 non- or for-profit groups, so it doesn’t cost the church.”

Sometimes new mattresses arrive by way of a nonprofit donation. Coffeemakers and toasters get to the shelves through Walmart overstock. Recliners and other furniture items with small scratches or dents that prevent them from making the showroom floor are more than suitable for clients of the Living Hope ministry center.

“When we step in, in many cases we’re able to provide the large items for, say, a two-bedroom apartment,” Taylor said. “It changes the game for families.”

One essential need has brought major benefits to children trying to acclimate to American schools.

“We’ve provided children with beds and have heard back from school counselors that the child came to their school and had low grades and was always tired. They would have a lot of emotions to process still,” Taylor said. “They’ll get a bed of their own and six or eight weeks later the counselors will say it isn’t the same kid. Their entire demeanor has shifted.”

Further east, about 20 members of Pillar Church in Dumfries, Va., help with the English as a Second Language classes that benefit primarily those who have fled Afghanistan since the Taliban retook the country in 2021.

Pastor Colby Garman said the benefits go both ways.

“The conversations with our people have brought another level of understanding [for the situation],” he said. “It puts a face on what is a challenging problem and what it’s like to build a new life in America.”

His wife Annie taught ESL for years in public schools and brought those concepts to the English immersion classes.

The people his church serves are not believers, but the time together has led to discussions about faith.

“Many of them had family members who were killed and they’re trying to figure out what’s next. It has become an open door for the Gospel,” said Garman, whose church lies just south of Washington, D.C., and is located near Marine Corps Base Quantico, where more than 3,700 Afghan refugees were received and cared for when the Taliban took over.

In Columbus, Taylor has seen similar benefits to his church stepping forward to help.

“It’s been good for us,” he said. “I remember [former SBC president] J.D. Greear asking years ago that if our church closed its doors, would the community know we were gone? This has been a good way for us to establish a presence for our church that is meeting a tangible need.

“It has also led us to become a multilingual, multiethnic church. We have people from seven nations. Our worship services are two languages. We’re starting to see the diversity of the community finally reflected in our church.”

This article was originally published by Baptist Press. It is reprinted with permission.